Tooth damage

Tooth damage can affect different areas of the tooth and the supporting structures of the teeth. An early visit to the dentist usually promotes the success of the treatment.

What is tooth damage?

Tooth damage can take different forms depending on the cause of the damage. Much tooth damage is the result of tooth decay, in the course of which affected teeth are broken down. Tooth damage can, however, also occur in the form of tooth erosion - i.e. the breakdown of tooth enamel.

In addition, tooth damage is not infrequently the result of external violence; The resulting tooth damage can take on different forms: For example, teeth can break off or break completely out of the tooth holding apparatus. However, it is also possible that teeth are merely loosening.

Tooth damage caused by the effects of force is divided in dentistry into tooth damage that affects the hard tooth substance, the tooth pulp or the tooth holding apparatus (such as tooth roots and / or gums). Tooth damage due to external violence can affect not only the real tooth, but also dentures.

causes

Caries-related Tooth damage are favored by various factors; For example, bacteria, poor oral hygiene and poor nutrition all contribute to the development of tooth decay.

In the case of so-called tooth erosion, tooth damage is caused by the influence of acids that attack the tooth enamel. Corresponding acids can be found in food, for example. In addition, tooth damage from erosion can also result from frequent vomiting. Tooth damage can be caused by the gastric acid contained in the vomit.

Tooth damage caused by external violence can be caused by falls or accidents, but also by biting foreign objects in the food. In addition, incorrect toothbrushing techniques or the use of toothbrushes that are too hard can also lead to tooth damage.

Symptoms, ailments & signs

Tooth damage is usually caused by tooth decay and is perceived by the affected person as extremely uncomfortable and painful. Tooth damage can be traced back to insufficient dental care, which leads to the formation of bacteria. These bacteria break down tooth enamel, creating a hole in the tooth.

Such a hole in the tooth is even visible to the naked eye, provided it is in the visible area of ​​the teeth. Such a hole is usually accompanied by long-lasting pain, which is perceived as uncomfortable, especially when at rest. The pain persists until a doctor is consulted.

Otherwise, no improvement is expected, as the bacteria will only enlarge the hole. If you go to a dentist as quickly as possible, you will immediately feel an improvement. However, if you forego such treatment, you must expect a significant worsening of the symptoms.

In particularly bad cases, severe headaches develop, so that the affected person suffers from sleep deprivation. If there is a hole in the tooth, see a doctor as soon as possible. Otherwise the symptoms will worsen and the existing tooth damage will become more severe.

Diagnosis & course

The diagnosis of Tooth damage usually carried out by a dentist or an emergency doctor, depending on the type of damage. Due to the external appearance of tooth damage, a suspected diagnosis is often possible.

In order to be able to recognize the extent and the affected areas of tooth damage, further dental examinations are often necessary. Tooth damage to the tooth supporting structure can be diagnosed with the help of x-rays, for example.

Vitality tests can be used to determine whether, for example, the tooth root is still intact after tooth damage caused by accidents; Here it is checked, for example, whether a cold stimulus on the affected tooth triggers a sensory stimulus in the patient.

The course of tooth damage depends, among other things, on the type and severity of the damage. As a rule, the earliest possible diagnosis of tooth damage and early medical treatment contribute to a more favorable course of tooth damage.

Complications

Tooth damage usually results from poor oral hygiene, so that this clinical picture can also be related to various complications. In most cases, so-called tooth decay is responsible for damage to the teeth. In the process, bacteria break down the enamel, creating a hole in the tooth. A very common complication is severe and persistent toothache, which can also trigger headaches.

If such damage remains on the tooth without any treatment, the existing pain will not cease. The likelihood of further complications is increased, as self-healing cannot take place in the case of tooth decay. The hole will enlarge in the tooth, so that after a while the entire tooth will be damaged. Under certain circumstances, there are complications with food intake, as the food in the oral cavity can no longer be properly chopped up.

Bleeding is also possible, so there is a risk of infection. If you want to avoid these complications altogether, you should consult a doctor if your tooth is damaged. Damage to teeth can only be repaired with appropriate treatment. If there is no such treatment, a significant deterioration can be expected.

When should you go to the doctor?

Dental irregularities should always be examined and treated by a doctor as soon as possible. The damage to the teeth is irreparable and can lead to serious consequences. If pain sets in, if there are irregularities in eating or if a crunch is noticed during night sleep, a doctor should be consulted. In the event of a complete or partial loss of teeth, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible.

In many cases, discoloration of the teeth is a warning sign and is therefore a cause for concern. If the teeth are blackened in particular, a doctor should check the observations and, if necessary, initiate treatment. If there are discomforts or irregularities due to braces or dentures, a doctor's visit is necessary. A doctor is required for headaches, functional disorders of the eyes, swelling in the area of ​​the jaw or face, and discoloration of the skin on the face.

If ulcers and tightness develop in the mouth or throat, medical care is also required. Since the symptoms often increase rapidly, a doctor should be consulted in the early stages of the health impairment. In the case of loss of appetite, hypersensitivity to cold or heat, as well as discomfort with jaw activity, a medical clarification of the irregularities is recommended.

Treatment & Therapy

Appropriate medical treatment for Tooth damage is based on the individual damage and complaints that have occurred. The need for dental treatment for tooth damage caused by tooth decay depends, for example, on the degree of tooth decay:

If only the outer tooth enamel is affected by tooth damage in the form of a so-called decalcification in the initial stage of a caries attack, it is often possible to progress the tooth damage through remineralization (for example by regularly applying appropriate gels by the person affected). If a caries infestation is already more advanced and has led to extensive tooth damage, necessary dental measures can be the creation of fillings or even the extraction of affected teeth.

Especially in the case of tooth damage due to external violence in the context of accidents, falls, etc., a quick visit to the dentist or dental clinic is an important prerequisite for a successful treatment. For example, tooth damage in the form of partially or completely broken teeth can often be repaired if the tooth material can be reinserted into the person's mouth at an early stage. Tooth damage in the form of loosened teeth can be counteracted, for example, by splinting corresponding teeth.

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prevention

Tooth damagethat are favored by the influence of factors such as pathogens or acids can be prevented above all by consistent oral hygiene and a diet that is not too sugary or acidic. Regular dental check-ups also contribute to early detection of tooth damage. Tooth damage caused by force can only be prevented to a limited extent.

Aftercare

In the follow-up, what was also advised in the “Prevention” section to avoid tooth damage applies. As already mentioned there, the correct plastering technique is of crucial importance. It used to be said that you should brush your teeth from top to bottom, i.e. from the gums to the teeth. Then circular movements should achieve the best cleaning result.

However, experts found a method that should clean our teeth even more thoroughly: the vibration technique. To do this, the bristles of the toothbrush must be placed at a 45-degree angle directly at the transition from the gum to the tooth. This is where the most stubborn bacteria are located, the gum line. Now move the toothbrush sideways with just light pressure and gently shake off the stubborn deposits. The chewing surface of the teeth is also shaken. To do this, the toothbrush must be placed on the front.

The teeth should be brushed systematically in the same order, then no tooth will be forgotten! This takes enough time so that each individual tooth can be cleaned thoroughly. In the morning and in the evening, the teeth should be shaken clean with the toothbrush for three to five minutes.

The interdental spaces must also be cleaned once a day - either with dental floss or with an interdental brush. Together with the tips given in the “Prevention” section, teeth can be cared for and protected from further damage.

You can do that yourself

Tooth damage has two main causes with improper nutrition and inadequate brushing technique and these can be influenced in the context of self-help in everyday life. Anyone who repeatedly has tooth damage from tooth decay and periodontitis can do a lot about it in everyday life. This applies both to acute cases and to changes in behavior that are preventive in nature.

In acute cases, self-help depends on the type of tooth damage. If a tooth is knocked out, it should be kept in the mouth until it arrives at the dentist in order to enable it to be replanted. The same applies to parts of crowns that must also be brought to the dentist. Bleeding gums can be stopped with salt water. Pain can be bridged with a cooling pack on the cheek, among other things.

Even with chronic tooth damage or the predisposition to it, the patient can do a lot. In this way the sugar content of the food can be optimally reduced. This also applies to alcohol. Nicotine can also cause tooth damage, as it can hide symptoms of periodontal disease. Quitting smoking in a form of self-help that is not only gentle on the heart and blood vessels. Tooth damage can also be avoided. Correct brushing technique and regular oral hygiene are essential in everyday life. Regularly changing toothbrushes and using dental floss is very important here.